Readers make decisions or form opinions based on information they have read.
When readers make an inference or draw a conclusion, they try to figure out
something by using clues from the text and what they know from previous
experiences. The conclusion is reached after thinking about details and facts
from the selection. Thoughtful readers synthesize and evaluate information based
on prior knowledge (what experiences they bring to the text). Readers examine an
author’s conclusion and evaluate the support details. Readers collect and
question details in order to draw conclusions or evaluate conclusions written by
the author. Students are invited to go beyond the literal meaning of text to
derive interpretative meanings.

Questions that help students make inferences and
draw conclusions:

What
conclusions can be made based on the details and facts described in the
selection?